i got so wrapped up in all the delicious surprises that were waiting for me when i got to houston, i forgot to mention the most beautiful and heartwarming one of all--a dozen roses from my nephew bert. being that it was oct. 1st, the feast of saint theresa, who is known as 'the little flower' made it even more touching. for those of you who know bert, it is very fitting that he would do something so nice. and for those of you who know his mom colleen, my sister, it will come as no surprise to hear how amazing she has been this past week. she has pampered me and spoiled me just like she used to when i was a little girl. there isn't one request that she hasn't granted me. she thinks of things i may want and gets them before i even know i needed them! from driving, cooking, shopping and cleaning to nurse, companion and friend, she has gone above and beyond. I will be sad to see her go in a couple of days, as will my mom, i know, but she has her family to get home to. i am just so thankful that they shared her with me.

as for my mom, well there are just no words to do her justice. she has been by my side every second and wouldn't have it any other way. she is living this with me and i know that if she could do all the tests, procedures and even the transplant for me, she would.

i ended the week with a bone marrow biopsy. ouch. no, not really, because i opted to be sedated. so i spent the weekend being pretty sleepy and sore. luckily the weather has been beautiful so i was able to spend a lot of time outside. back to the hospital tomorrow for more tests on my heart and lungs.  i am so glad to finally be here and am so anxious to do the transplant. i will meet with my doctor on wed. and hopefully know the exact day we will retrieve my stem cells. then i will really fell like we are making progress.

more later.

love,

jen